Benedictines were founded to seek God together, but we go out for ministry. Take me: I am a Catholic preschool teacher but come home for prayers and meals.

Apostolic communities such as the Davenport Sisters of Humility and the Clinton Franciscans often were founded for particular ministries, from health care to education. Today, however, many serve in other ministries than those for which they were founded. They typically live in apartments in groups of twos and threes.

Cloistered communities such as the Eldridge Carmelites and the Dubuque Trappistines not only live and pray together, they also work together, leaving their enclosures only for special purposes such as doctors’ appointments.